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Shapeoko Deluxe Kit

This is the Shapeoko Deluxe Kit, a desktop, 3-axis CNC Machine kit that allows you to create your 2D and 3D designs out of non-ferrous metals, hardwoods, and plastics. This special SparkFun Edition of the Shapeoko Kit includes everything from the base frame and hardware to the motors and SparkFun Stepoko controller. This is an entry-level CNC machine designed for hobbyists, artists, and fabricators! The only thing that is not included is a trim router which can be purchased from most hardware stores or online retailers.

The included SparkFun Stepoko is an Arduino compatible, 3-axis control solution that runs grbl software and is able to connect to your computer to accept stepper motor commands. The Stepoko's design and firmware are completely open source and it works with an open source Java based cross platform G-Code sending application to translate commands. Don't worry, we've designed the Stepoko to be as simple to use as possible. With it being pre-programmed grbl software and the installation of the Stepoko consisting of just plugging the stepper motors in, connecting it to power and to your computer you'll be amazed by just how simple this board really is! To top it off, we've designed the SparkFun Stepoko to fit and be secured inside of a custom Big Red Box for an effective enclosure option that allows access to all of the boards connectors and a spot for the massive heatsink to rest in.

The Shapeoko 3 has a cutting area of 425mm x 425 mm x 75mm (16" x 16" x 3") and an overall footprint of 725mm x 600mm (28.5" x 23.6"). We don’t currently carry a router to go on your machine. The folks at Shapeoko recommend the Dewalt DW611 or the Porter Cable 450 to use with the machine. We ended up using a cheap Harbor Freight one that we 3D printed an adapter for to make it fit. Don’t forget you can put whatever you want on the end, whether that’s a laser, 3D print extrusion head, or a marker. Get creative!

The new revision of the Stepoko board updates the firmware to the latest version (0.9j). We've also added a piece of thermal gap filler to help electrically insulate the board from your chassis and prevent problems from ESD. Finally, we added three cable carriers to help get your cabling under control.

Note: The power cable included in this kit is designed for the United States National Plug Standard. If you are purchasing this kit outside the US you will need to use or buy a power cable that fits your country's standard.

Note: Please keep in mind that the Shapeoko Deluxe Kit Assembly Guide in the Documents section below lists items for the Carbide3D version of the complete Shapeoko kit, not the SparkFun version. Be sure to reference the hard copy guide that comes with your kit when ordered.

Note: This item is non-returnable. If this item arrives damaged or is not functioning properly, please do not hesitate to contact us to see if further actions may be taken.

Carbide 3D's Software Activation Code and SparkFun's Shapeoko

last updated
about 3 years ago

You can now use Carbide 3D's software with SparkFun's Shapeoko board. You just need to provide a SparkFun order number and that will get you an activation code for their software for the Shapeoko. Contacting Carbide Support [ https://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/FAQ#Carbide_3D_Software ] is the easiest way to go about obtaining that code.

Core Skill: Robotics

This skill concerns mechanical and robotics knowledge. You may need to know how mechanical parts interact, how motors work, or how to use motor drivers and controllers.

4Robotics

Skill Level: Experienced - Your experiences should include working with stepper motors and feedback system. You may need to understand how encoders and more complex control systems work.
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Core Skill: DIY

Whether it's for assembling a kit, hacking an enclosure, or creating your own parts; the DIY skill is all about knowing how to use tools and the techniques associated with them.

2DIY

Skill Level: Rookie - Basic hand tools are required and instructions will allow more freedom. You may need to make your own decisions on design. If sewing is required, it will be free-form.
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Core Skill: Electrical Prototyping

If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.

3Electrical Prototyping

Skill Level: Competent - You will be required to reference a datasheet or schematic to know how to use a component. Your knowledge of a datasheet will only require basic features like power requirements, pinouts, or communications type. Also, you may need a power supply that?s greater than 12V or more than 1A worth of current.
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I was really bummed to see that the Shapeoko 3 Sprakfun delux kit I just received didn't include the 2016 summer updates that now are included in the Carbide 3D version. Are there plans to update the design?

FYI. I ended up installing the limit switch pack sold by Carbide 3D and was able to install it but I needed to make some modifications. First, the Z-axis limit switch comes with posts (standoffs?) that have a different thread spacing than the ones the Sparkfun version of the Shapeoko uses. This requires a quick trip to the Home Depot and about $3 in bolts. I can't remember now but I think it was M5 bolts that this part used. And the other thing is that I had to do was file one of the standoffs on the X or Y (can't remember) switches so that it wouldn't hit another part of the Shapeoko. This took 5 minutes with a regular file, so no big deal.

Are there any further details on the 2016 Summer upgrades that are part of the Carbide3D version (eg, 9mm belts, stiffer Z etc). I've noticed a few people asking the same question, but as of yet there is no official answer from SparkFun. This will be the difference between buying the Deluxe Kit here, or buying direct from Carbide.

I've noticed, even with thermal gap filler, when I turn off my router (dewalt 611) on low rpm, it makes the Z axis jump up about 2 or 3 cm, a few times. When this happens, I can't control the cnc from universal G-code sender, and have to reset everything.... This is frustrating when doing jobs that require multiple endmills ( it's difficult to recalibrate X and Y multiple times). I've noticed it doesn't seem to happen if I turn the speed of the router up a lot before turning it off. To avoid this all together, I plug the router into an outlet that is controlled by a light switch.

Me too, and I am using Makita RT0700C. It seems that the Shapeoko board cannot withstand the noise from the switching of the AC motor (I have already installed the insulation pad from Sparkfun).
Thanks for the tips of remotely switching the router. Will try to see if this helps in my Makita router.

I am thinking of starting to manufacture a project that I've designed. I'm looking at selling around 50 a year. The enclosures I use is a Serpac ABS plastic case that I have to drill quite a few holes in, including several irregular shaped ones (square and double D). The enclosure wall is about 100 mils. As these have to match up with the SMT PCB inside, they need to be accurately places (+- a few mills).

How hard is it to convert a DXF file (I have) to g-codes?

Anyone have any experience using the Shapeopo on such? I was also looking at a CO2 laser CNC, but that's another $500. Advise?

Awesome machine! I can't tell if the whole kit, ie plates, spindle mount, is under an open license. If so, are there any CAD files on this?. I am trying to figure out if I can somehow increase the reach of the Z axis by
modifying it a little bit (extending some plates and rails). Any input on this will be appreciated.

We actually have a larger CNC in the building we use to do these on a larger scale. It is what we also use to cut the heatsink on the Stepoko. The process for those might make an interesting tutorial at some point...

The actual cutting tool isn't controlled by the kit at all. While the Dremel Tool is likely much smaller than the mounting hole assuming you can find a way to mount it will you should be able to use a Dremel with no problem.

The physical machines and their cutting area are the same as #108770 noted. More details here: http://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/Shapeoko_3#Overview

Carbide Create currently requires a Carbide Motion Machine Control Board EDIT: or activation w/ a code for use w/ the SparkFun Stepoko board: http://docs.carbide3d.com/article/75-sparkfun-stepoko-activation

Since Sparkfun is apparently not interested in replying to its potential customers, I'll reply. The mechanical kit is pretty much identical to Carbide's basic kit (not the XL or XXL), so the working area will be identical. I don't know where you got the differing values. Sparkfun's kit includes their own controller, however. Carbide Create does not work with Sparkfun's controller. I believe Carbide said at one point that they'd make a compatible version, but that's likely fallen by the wayside. There are a plethora of free and paid programs compatible with Sparkfun's Shapeoko, however. There is much information on the Shapeoko wiki and forums.

P.S. Check out prior reviews of the Shapeoko3 by clicking "previous versions" up there under the price.

nice machine

good well thought machine Good instructions for building the system but could use better instructions for the electronic side in explaining the possible inputs and outputs that would help in adding functions for the system .
I am using a Makita 3709 which works quite well

May Be Better Off Buying the Carbide Version

The problem with the assembly directions that was mentioned by another reviewer is that there are a number of differences between this kit and the Carbide version so you have to keep checking two sets of assembly directions and the video. Often they are not in agreement so you have to work it out yourself.

Also this uses the Sparkfun controller which according to support is not upgradable. The Carbide edition can be upgraded and they evolve their free CAD/CAM software with the new 1.1 version of grbl which is being released. Also the newest UGS provides access to the new Jog features in grbl 1.1.

After using it for two weeks I learned that the Carbide kit contains the limit hardware and all the tutorial directions published by Carbide assume that the HOME feature is working. Although you can band-aid it onto the Sparkfun unit, I bought the Carbide add-on kit because it contains all the hardware needed to mount the limit switches. This is fairly important functionality for all except the most simple projects.

If I had it to do over again I would buy the Carbide version because its their main product as opposed to Sparkfun which doesn't seem all the eager to support this $1000 piece of equipment. The techs are nice but unfortunately they can't keep the product up to date.

Per the comment about me being "unique"...well I guess we are all unique but I was asking support about standard features of grbl. Turns out it is pretty easy to reflash the board. Why they told me it can't be done...who knows. An even bigger mystery is why my stepoko controller chokes on the $h command which is an extremely important command in grbl. Still waiting for answers on that one.

Works great; could use some updates

First off I have to say I am very impressed with the precision of this CNC unit. Given that many commercial models (even small ones) go for many thousands of dollars, I wasn't sure what to expect from a DIY model. However, I have found that the stepper motors are quite accurate, and the results are very repeatable.

I was slightly disappointed to see that the "official" Shapeoko kits have been shipping with limit switches for the last year or so, but these kits do not. It would be nice if this kit had been updated to match.

Also, SF woud do well to publish their own assembly manual. The original is often short on details, skips over steps, and contains misprints and simply inaccurate information. The most major issue I have found is that on page 18, the stationary Z-axis pulley appears to be installed backwards. When I installed it as shown, the belt doesn't line up with the motor or idler pulley, and after only a few uses I noticed fraying on the edges of the belt. Reversing this pulley (gear teeth away from the plate) solved the alignment issues.

My first CNC machine

I am an international customer and it arrived very fast and in perfect condition.
great quality at an affordable price . I can finally make so many things I have always wanted to. perfect companion to my 3D printers. well done Sparkfun.

Great product, fun build, really good results.

So, the title says all the good. Here are my quibbles. Sparkfun's edition differs from the Carbide 3D version in a few places. Mostly involving the electronics. However, finding the instructions involved watching videos and scouring the web for tips, as opposed to downloading an instruction supplement PDF.
Second, wiring the twin Y-Axis motors into the Stepoko board proved impossible as it was suggested. Even with the most careful twisting and tinning of the wires, I could not get them to fit into the terminals. I used spare wire to create a splice that fit. Even the Sparkfun's Assembly video shows wire nuts in the tangle of excess wire, so I don't feel bad about it. And it works.

Once built, I've only had 1 issue, and that is keeping tension on the Z-Axis belt. By using a screw and round threaded standoff that's inaccessible, I can't get enough torque to hold it in place reliably.

All that said, with careful construction, and calibration, this thing is great. It has, in just a few uses, upped the quality and complexity of my projects.

Great little cnc machine!

This little cnc machine is great for small wood or plastic projects and probably aluminum but I haven't try that yet. The only change I would like to see is maybe have two sets of terminals for the left and right Y-Axis motors instead of both motors sharing one set of terminals.

Solid CNC machine for a very reasonable price

The machine was pretty easy to install and everything worked on the first try. It is very precise and extremely easy to use.

It would be good if Sparkfun provided their own manual instead of relying on the one from Carbide 3D since there are some subtle differences that had me scratching my head a couple of times.

Many of the screws have a tendency to come loose, so make sure you use the supplied locktite. This wasn't mentioned in the referenced docs from Carbide 3D, so I found out about that at the very end.

The nuts holding the stepper engine is hard to get to, and the bolts seem to have a bit soft metal, so some of the heads are in bad shape. It would be good to see a little bit higher quality bolts and perhaps a specialized tool to keep the nuts from turning, you can't really get to them comfortably using a monkey wrench.

The Y-axis motors fit into the same ports on the motherboard, so you have to splice the wires or use Vago clips. You also have to figure out which wires to cross. This should have been documented properly and they should have included Vagos, or even separate ports on the motherboard for those steppers.

I went with the Makita CNC router, and since I read that the Carbide version comes with an adapter for the Makita I thought I was fine. It turns out that Sparkfun doesn't supply this adapter ring, so I had to order it from Carbide. Only 15$, right? Well.. Another 57$ in shipping to get it to Norway. That sucked, but in the end I still have a very solid CNC machine which is definitely worth the money and then some!

Do yourself a favor and buy homing/limit switches at once, you won't regret it!